May has shock and gore in store
MAY has arrived, and with it the promise of more lockdown restrictions easing.
It’s always lovely to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather – and to be able to do that with friends will make it doubly wonderful.
But if you’re still feeling a bit unsure, there are plenty of reasons to stay home this month too.
There are horrific delights to be had with the new Resident Evil this week, a 4K realness for Mass Effect fans, and Biomutant finally makes an appearance to see out the month.
EVERGATE (PEGI 7)
PS5, XBOX ONE, XBOX SX, SWITCH, PC
May 5
Out:
Don’t let the charming look of this 2D puzzle platformer fool you, it’s actually surprisingly challenging.
Your job is to help Ki navigate a journey through a beautiful and haunting afterlife in search of reincarnation.
Ki has the power of the Soulflame at its disposal, giving it the ability to slow time and trigger the mysterious power hidden within various crystals you encounter along the way.
Developed by Stone Lantern Games, Evergate’s constantly evolving mechanics keep levels feeling fresh and interesting.
RESIDENT EVIL: VILLAGE (PEGI 18) PS4, PS5, XBOX ONE, XBOX X, PC
Out: May 7
One of the most anticipated games of the year, Resident Evil Village promises to be terrifyingly fun.
Set three years after the events of Biohazard, it sees returning protagonist Ethan Winters’ life turned upside down by the arrival of Chris Redfield, an unexpected yet familiar face.
With the action taking place in a mysterious European village the story leans heavily into the realms of Gothic horror, bringing with it vampires, werewolves and the odd creepy doll.
And in celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary, a new multiplayer game – Resident Evil RE: Verse – is being released for free alongside Village.
MASS EFFECT: LEGENDARY EDITION (PEGI 18) PS4, XBOX ONE, PC
Out: May 14
BioWare has been slaving away on this for more than a year now, and from the few teasers I’ve seen, it looks glorious.
This edition includes the original Mass Effect Trilogy, remastered and upscaled to 4K for modern screens.
As well as the graphics getting an overhaul, the oldest of the three games – 2007’s Mass Effect – has received a more extensive upgrade than its counterparts, specifically when it comes to the combat mechanics, vehicle handling, and loading times.
While there are no longer any multiplayer modes, this would be the perfect jumping off point for gamers who are unfamiliar with this incredible sci-fi RPG.
STRANGELAND (PEGI 18) Out: May 25
Billed as a classic point-and-click adventure, Strangeland integrates an oddly compelling narrative with engaging puzzles.
Set in a hellish funfair that looks like it’s been spewed from the feverish mind of HR Geiger, you arrive just in time to see a woman throw herself down a well.
With striking and surreal graphics, you’ll encounter a gallery of grotesques as you make your way through the nightmarish carnival.
The only way to beat Strangeland is to understand its inhabitants, as rather than telling a linear tale, it allows you to shape your own way through it.
BIOMUTANT (PEGI 12) PS4, XBOX ONE, PC
May 25
PC
Out:
All being well, Biomutant should finally land on consoles this month, having been hanging in limbo since 2017.
An open-world, Zelda-esque adventure, you play as an adorable furry warrior, which you can heavily customise from the off.
Combat is a unique martial arts styled affair, allowing you to mix melee, shooting and mutant ability action.
And, as the game’s name suggests, you can continue to tweak and tune your protagonist’s abilities and looks with mutations and biomechanical body parts, such as attaching robotic legs, wings and claws which can be used to get various advantages against certain enemies or at certain locations.